Dollar a Day: Ham and beans is a homey favorite

Tuesday

Despite the increasing price of groceries, many dishes can be prepared for less than $1 per serving. For the doubtful, we’ve put together some sample meals, which we will share over the coming weeks.

Many fast food chains have increased the price on their value selections or shrunk the size, or both. But you can still enjoy the “dollar menu” at home.

Despite the increasing price of groceries, many dishes can be prepared for less than $1 per serving. Savings increase if you’re willing to shop sales and use coupons.

For the doubtful, we’ve put together some sample meals, which we will share over the coming weeks. For ease of reporting, we won’t include the cost of small amounts of pantry staples, such as oil and seasonings.

First up, a homey favorite: ham and beans over cornbread. Starting from dried beans increases savings dramatically. I paid 89 cents for a 15-ounce can, which yielded 1 1⁄2 cups of beans. For the same price, I bought a 1-pound bag of dried beans, which yielded 5 1⁄2 cups of beans –– big difference.

A small ham roast at my local grocery was $2.79 a pound. A 1-pound package of small ham cubes at a bigger grocery chain was $2.79. A cost-saving option is to buy a larger ham and divide it up for future meals.

I got an 8-pound, spiral-cut ham for $1.29 a pound. The slices went into the freezer, while the bone and unsliced meat went into the bean pot.

Simmer beans in 7-8 cups water until tender — depending on age of the beans, usually 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours. Mash some of the beans, stir; add onion, carrots, tomato sauce and 2 bay leaves. If desired, add any or all the seasonings suggested below. Cook until vegetables are tender, then salt to taste. Serve spooned over cornbread with a side of steamed broccoli.